Testimonials

Kathryn has been an integral part of this whole thing. We started out on a different footing and got into some trouble and she just picked up where things had been left off and made the best of everything that was here and created what we were asking for.

Rose Richey

Not only did Kathryn listen to the dream…she became a part of the dream!

Ann Jones

It was a pleasure working with the Rue Group. Kathryn greatly enhanced our original landscape design concept with her many new and innovative ideas. She worked with us diligently to explore and determine the look, feel, and goals we were trying to achieve with our landscape design. She is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of landscape design and construction, and was very skilled at helping us through the entire process. She educated us on hardscape and softscape material choices, design and construction techniques, and cost tradeoffs, which resulted in our ability to make the best choices to achieve our goals within budget. We were particularly happy that she has a background in horticulture, as she was able to pick plant material that would thrive in the different sun and drainage conditions in various zones around the property. She is a very detail-oriented project manager, always following up on many small yet important details, and was instrumental in keeping the project on-schedule. Without a doubt, our final landscape turned out much better by employing Kathryn’s design and project management services.

Kathryn Rue created the landscape design and consulted closely throughout its construction for our home in Fullerton in 2001. Ten years later, we continue to be thrilled with the yard design – its creativity, its uniqueness, and its functionality. As part of the creative process, Kathryn spent considerable time talking with my husband and myself, having us describe in words what we hoped to experience when spending time outdoors in our yard. She clearly heard us because her design evoked exactly what we’d envisioned. I was amazed at how Kathryn had listened to our desires for the property and then translated it all into her design. Kathryn is a gifted architect and designer. I highly recommend her work.

Jane Ouweleen

Kathryn Rue has helped us successfully design and install 3 landscapes now – 2 redesigns of existing yards, and 1 brand new yard. We couldn’t have accomplish these beautiful & enjoyable yards without her knowledge and expertise.

We interviewed many landscape professionals and selected Kathryn Rue based on her professionalism and creativity. We had a very large project which included irrigation, lighting, hardscape and planting. She worked with us incorporating some of the existing trees we wanted to keep as well as the pool. She took into account our thoughts and ideas and presented a well thought out plan. Each and every contractor that she used was a true professional. We had nothing but a very pleasant experience and would not hesitate to recommend her to others who are in need of a creative and professional landscape architect.

This is our third major project that Kathryn has designed for us and we have been happy with the different things she has done. We’ve learned to listen to Kathryn, and when she has an idea to follow her advise because it works out best.

Sharon & Steve White

I was on the tennis court looking back at the yard and house. I just stood there and said how beautiful it all is!!! ~ Just wanted you to know how much I still love it and say THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

Award winning project! In 2012 the CLCA awarded this project two awards. One for Outstanding Achievement for a Large Residential Installation and the second for Best Outdoor Lighting.

The landscape project was challenging because of our very specific ideas and vision for the garden, and the large size of the property. Rue Group did an amazing job of interpreting our ideas and designing a beautiful collection of gardens that fit perfectly with the unique architecture of the home while providing wonderful outdoor living spaces for our family and guests. The design process was fun and rewarding, from lines on paper to plants in the ground, Rue Group was at my side at every step. I remember the day I saw a garden designed by Kathryn Rue of Rue Group. I fell in love with the aesthetic and arrangement of every plant and I knew I wanted to work with whoever had designed that garden by the beach. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Rue Group on two different properties since then and I live surrounded by gardens that I love.

Based on the recommendation of our builder and several homeowners whose gardens were part of the annual Fullerton Home and Garden Tour, I asked the Rue Group to design our landscape plan to complement our whole house remodel. Not only did Kathryn prepare a beautiful concept drawing, she took into account our desire for a drought tolerant garden, pleasant porch seating, and even recommended the exterior paint color – a Deep Olive from Benjamin Moore that I would have never considered, but absolutely love. The plantings look amazing, and people often stop and admire the front yard. We can’t wait to get the back done!

Kim Christensen

Kathryn from Rue Group came to my home to assess how to improve the pool and backyard area. I have a large overgrown Pine tree in the backyard that was planted by my adult daughter when she was a young child. Kathryn built a dream around the tree.

After a short interview of what I like and my lifestyle she came up with the perfect plan for me. As a family we love camping. The suggestion was to make the backyard rustic’ similar to a campground where the grandchildren can come and play “camp” and have fun.

Kathryn is a licensed Architect with over 30 years experience in renovation, outdoor room experiences, custom water features including pools and spas, and much more.

I strongly endorse Kathryn Rue.

Barb Leonhardt

Our project was a complete overhaul! Prior to purchasing our home, I had lived 13 years with expansive views on the 16th fairway at the Monarch Beach Golf Course. Going from that to our beautiful new home with its ‘fishbowl’ backyard was bitter-sweet. It took two years of research prior to our finding and hiring The Rue Group.

Once Kathryn arrived, we knew immediately that she was the right choice for several reasons: her comprehensive questionnaire prior to arrival (a first I’d seen); her request to view our entire interior before stepping foot in the backyard (wow); her willingness to brainstorm ideas and share professional insights prior to our hiring her (telltale); and her project administration services (indispensable).

As a full-time working mother of two toddlers, our project would not have materialized without her. She was not a contractor, she was our partner. From design to completion, she was integral to our success. We transformed everything with the exception of two pre-existing pine trees. Our project completed with:

Kathryn directed the project from inception – including putting her design out to bid, obtaining HOA and city permits, contractor selection and management; to its closure – including 30/90/1-year walk-throughs and follow-up. Her professionalism, expertise, and work-ethic has delivered extraordinary results; doubling our space, increasing our property value, and exponentially enhancing our enjoyment.